What is Alcohol?
Alcohol is a widely-used, socially acceptable drug within our society, however,
Alcohol IS a Drug!
- It acts as a depressant, slowing down the central nervous system
- It can be found in various liquids, such as beer, wine, and spirits
- Its effects vary on your gender, your weight, how much food you have consumed, and whether you are stressed or tired
- It can temporarily make you feel less stressed or overtired
- It can lead to liver disease and addiction over the long term
- Too much alcohol over a short period can lead to alcohol poisoning, since not all of it can be absorbed and passes into the bloodstream, where it slows down the heart rate
- It affects your ability to male good decisions
- A standard drink consists of one 12-oz bottle of beer OR one 5-oz glass of wine OR one 1.5-oz of liquor, such as rye or vodka
- It can interact with other kinds of prescribed medications
- Seniors become intoxicated with less alcohol, and their tissues and organs can become damaged with smaller quantities
- Note that some coolers and beers contain more alcohol than one standard drink.
You should not drink ANY alcohol if:
- you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding
- you already have liver disease
- you are taking certain medications, such as sleeping pills, sedatives, or pain killers
- you operate heavy machinery, or vehicles serving the public
- you drive not only an automobile, but any of the following: boats, snowmobiles, motorcycles, bicycles
- you are under age, or other legal restrictions to drink alcohol.
In order to be safe, one should drink no more than two (2) standard drinks on any one day.
You may also be held responsible for what happens to guests as a result of alcohol you provide as well as what they have brought to your house.
You are responsible for what happens to guests when they are in your home, on your property, or at a hall you have rented. You may also be held responsible for them until they are sober.
Do not allow anyone to drink and drive!
If you are concerned about your use/abuse of alcohol, alcoholism, or becoming alcohol-dependent, check out the 20 questions page
If you would like more information, or wish to contact me, an addictions counselor, email me at jbannerman@cogeco.ca or call me at 905-825-2038. Check out the link to private counseling, also.
